The Defensive Armour and the Weapons and Engines of War of Mediæval Times, and of the "Renaissance."

by R. Coltman Clephan

THE LATCH CROSSBOW (ARBELETE À CRIC).

This kind, which is very heavy, was used specially in the defence of fortified places. It probably got its name from the trigger, which is formed like a latch, and is manipulated by a cog-wheel, and a notched bar called a cric. This bar has hooks at the top which grasp the string, and a handle turned by the hand of the archer winds up the “moulinet” or winch, drawing the string which bends the bow, and the tackle is slipped on to the stock from the bottom, which passes through a thick hemp or iron loop. This variety was much used by the Germans, and is probably the “latch,” although it is far from certain that the term did not apply to the “cranequin.” There are also barrel crossbows, and some with a pistol in combination.